The global push for gender equality gained significant momentum in Nigeria as the World Women Organisation (WWO) officially inaugurated its national chapter in Lagos. The event, held on 5 December 2025, marked a pivotal expansion of the international body's mission, bringing its total operational footprint to 67 countries worldwide.
Collaboration for Empowerment: A New Chapter Begins
Themed "Collaboration for Empowerment," the high-profile launch attracted a diverse gathering of diplomats, political figures, development specialists, and influential women leaders. They collectively hailed the establishment of WWO Nigeria as a transformative moment for advancing women's rights and opportunities across the African continent.
Founder and President of WWO, Chief Rachel Akem-Harumi, declared Nigeria a strategic cornerstone for the organisation's global agenda. She emphasised that the platform is designed to empower women to dismantle systemic barriers and advocate for themselves. "Our goal is to help women challenge the structures that limit them and take full ownership of their progress," Akem-Harumi stated.
Flagship Programmes and Political Pledges
A central announcement was the unveiling of the Women Overload Initiative, WWO's flagship programme for Nigeria. This ambitious project aims to revolutionise women's socio-economic standing by providing intensive training in critical modern fields. The curriculum will cover:
- Technology and Artificial Intelligence
- Fundraising and Project Management
- Emerging Leadership Skills
Akem-Harumi described the initiative as a tool for building sustainable female-led businesses and amplifying women's impact on the economy.
The event also featured strong political commentary. Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, delivered a candid address, urging women to overcome internal divisions that hinder collective advancement, particularly in politics. He admitted that rivalry among women influenced some of his appointment choices during his tenure. Amaechi made a significant pledge, saying, "If given another opportunity to form a cabinet, I will allocate appointments equally between men and women." He argued that national development should be driven by competence, not gender.
Global Perspectives and Calls to Action
Other speakers reinforced the need for deliberate preparation and supportive environments. Dr. Siju Iluyomade, Convener of Arise Women, insisted that women must proactively build capacity and embrace continuous learning to assume leadership roles. She called on community and national leaders to create pathways for women to excel in politics, business, technology, and development.
Offering an international viewpoint, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, highlighted China's record as a champion of women's causes. She noted Chinese women's leading roles, constituting over 40% of the workforce, more than half of internet start-up founders, and over 60% of recent Olympic medallists. Yuqing also cited Chinese-supported projects in Nigeria, including cataract surgeries and vocational training for widows, urging continued global collaboration for gender equality.
The inauguration of WWO Nigeria sets the stage for a concerted, technology-focused drive to uplift underserved women, placing the nation at the heart of a growing global coalition for female empowerment and inclusive development.
